Employee benefits today are about more than perks like free snacks or unlimited PTO. For younger employees, especially millennials and Gen Z, meaningful benefits that connect with their values are paramount. Enter Volunteer Time Off (VTO) — an employee benefit that not only empowers individuals to contribute to the greater good but also strengthens employee engagement and enhances your company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Curious about how VTO programs can help shape a more engaged, socially-conscious workforce? This blog explores what VTO is, its benefits, and how organizations can implement it effectively.
What Is Volunteer Time Off?
Volunteer Time Off, or VTO, is a corporate benefit that allocates paid time for employees to volunteer for causes they care about. Unlike standard PTO (Paid Time Off), VTO gives employees an opportunity to take paid hours or days to participate in volunteer work, aligning personal passion with company values.
These programs are growing rapidly as organizations recognize the dual benefit of contributing to societal well-being while boosting employee satisfaction and workplace morale.
Why VTO Matters for Young Employees
Shared Values Build Loyalty
Younger workers prioritize purpose and value over salary and titles. According to Deloitte’s Global Millennial Survey, 91% of Gen Z and 89% of millennials believe businesses should engage in activities that benefit society. A VTO policy empowers employees to pursue that greater purpose while strengthening their connection to the company.
When employees feel their values align with their employer’s mission, it fosters loyalty. Offering VTO demonstrates that your business genuinely cares about social issues, ensuring you retain top talent.
Attract and Engage Socially Conscious Talent
Companies that invest in their communities also see an uptick in recruiting socially conscious talent. Offering VTO makes your company more attractive to forward-thinking individuals who want to make an impact while growing professionally.
Boost Mental Health and Job Satisfaction
Volunteering has psychological benefits. Studies show that giving back boosts happiness and reduces stress. By creating room for employees to partake in fulfilling activities, you also improve mental health and overall job satisfaction.
How VTO Benefits Companies
VTO is not only about giving back—it’s also a strategic investment in your workforce and brand.
Enhanced Employee Engagement
Employees with access to VTO often feel more engaged in the workplace. When they know their personal values match the corporate mission, they’re more likely to be motivated and productive.
Improved Brand Reputation
A strong VTO program helps signal that your company is socially responsible. This not only fosters customer trust but also builds goodwill within the community. Clients, partners, and key stakeholders are more likely to support businesses with clear community goals.
Develop Soft Skills in Employees
Volunteering improves leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Offering VTO gives employees the chance to cultivate these transferable skills, benefiting your organization in the long term.
Tips to Launch a Successful VTO Program
1. Align with Company Values
Identify causes that align with your company’s vision and values. For instance, a tech company might partner with STEM education organizations, while a healthcare business could contribute to public health drives.
2. Flexibility Is Key
Provide employees with the freedom to choose their preferred causes. Some may want to volunteer locally, while others may have interests in environmental or global initiatives. Flexibility ensures inclusivity in your VTO policy.
3. Start with Small, Realistic Commitments
Begin with a few hours or one paid day per employee annually to carry out volunteer work. You can scale the program based on participation and organizational capacity.
4. Encourage Participation
Promote VTO by highlighting its benefits during onboarding and team meetings. Success stories from employees who’ve used VTO strengthen its visibility and desirability.
5. Partner with Nonprofits
Establish relationships with local or global nonprofits to make volunteering accessible and impactful. Partnerships simplify logistics while fostering larger-scale impact.
6. Measure Outcomes
Track employee participation rates, collect feedback, and measure the community impact generated. These metrics not only demonstrate accountability but also help in improving the program over time.
VTO Programs Are a Win-Win
Volunteer Time Off offers a win-win for employees and organizations. Employees feel valued and fulfilled through purpose-driven work, while businesses benefit from elevated brand reputation, improved employee retention, and a more engaged workforce.
By enabling young employees to contribute to causes they care about, you create a culture of giving that extends well beyond the office walls.
Join EBPA Today
Established in 1948, Employee Benefit Planning Association (EBPA) is a non-profit educational organization providing support and professional development opportunities to members and all those engaged in employee benefits by serving as a forum for the exchange of knowledge, information and ideas.